Mackintosh’s recently had Les Misérables redesigned for a UK tour which then went on to North America where it can be seen currently. Les Miz is still running in London’s West End in its original signature staging directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.

Harold Prince’s original 1986 Phantom continues in London and on Broadway, with no end in sight. Over 100 million people have seen the show worldwide. It has grossed over $5 billion. The long-running North American tour closed in fall 2010, which makes the U.S. road fertile territory for a newly branded staging.

Mackintosh — who, with The Really Useful Theatre Company Ltd., produced the original Phantom in London and on Broadway (and around the world) — told Daily Variety that the new Phantom of the Opera would be directed by Laurence Connor (co-director of the rethought Les Miz tour). The creative team will reportedly include set and costume designer Paul Brown and War Horse lighting designer Paule Constable.

Graham Spicer

Writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name 'Gramilano') about dance, opera, music and photography for people who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like.

I was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. My scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times. I write the 'Danza in Italia' column for Dancing Times.